Sanwo-Olu charges ECOWAS on regional integration, united West Africa

…says Lagos remains committed to supporting ECOWAS to improve lives

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to recommit to regional integration and the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa.

He also implored ECOWAS countries to remove trade barriers, ensure free movement within the West African corridor, and build a region that is not only prosperous and peaceful but also inclusive and equitable, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call at the opening ceremony of the Parliamentary Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament, marking 50 years of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament, held at the Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.

He said the anniversaries reflect the vision, resilience, and collective will of West Africans to build a united, prosperous, and peaceful region.

“We must strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective. We must deepen economic integration by removing barriers to trade, investment, and the free movement of people.

“We should promote peace and security by addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering dialogue and reconciliation. We must also empower our youth by investing in education, innovation, and job creation.

“We should also address climate change by adopting sustainable practices and building resilient communities,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in Lagos’ role in the ECOWAS journey, noting:

“As the economic and cultural hub of West Africa, Lagos has long been a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and opportunity. Our state has served as a gateway for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of regional integration that ECOWAS stands for.

“Lagos remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in its mission to deepen integration and improve the lives of our people. We recognize that the challenges we face—whether in security, economic development, or climate change—require collective action and shared solutions.

“Lagos stands ready to collaborate with ECOWAS and its member states to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of our region.”

Speaking on the theme of the seminar, ‘ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections of the Community Parliament toward Attaining Regional Integration Achievements,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the two regional organizations have shaped the destiny of West Africa.

He said: “From fostering economic cooperation to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic governance, ECOWAS has proven to be a beacon of hope and progress. The establishment of the ECOWAS Parliament in 2000 further strengthened this vision by providing a platform for dialogue, representation, and the advancement of regional policies. Today, ECOWAS stands as a shining example of what is possible when nations come together in pursuit of a common goal.

“The ECOWAS Parliament, as the voice of the people, has played a pivotal role in shaping the regional agenda. Over the past 25 years, it has championed the cause of integration, advocated for citizens’ rights, and provided a forum for addressing regional challenges. From promoting free movement and trade to supporting peacekeeping missions and electoral processes, the Parliament has been at the forefront of efforts to build a stronger, more united West Africa.”

Earlier, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, highlighted ECOWAS’ achievements over the past 50 years in various sectors, including economic development and peacekeeping.

She emphasized the significance of celebrating ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee in Lagos, given the state’s role as the host of the Treaty of Lagos.

In his remarks, the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, said the Community had fostered cooperation, dialogue, and economic prosperity.

He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for hosting the celebrations in Lagos and acknowledged his administration’s infrastructural projects across various sectors.